The newest addition to Denver’s farmers’ markets lineup received great news on Thursday. The 32nd Avenue Farmers’ Market was issued a long-term permit allowing the weekly pop-up to continue operating on 32nd Avenue through the end of September.

After only a few weeks in operation, the market was in location limbo as the Highland Merchant Association waited for the city to issue the long-term permits. In the meantime, two short-term permits allowed the market to take place. According to Nancy Kuhn, interim director of marketing and communications for Denver Public Works, the two-week permits gave the city—and the market—time to determine the impact of closing the busy thoroughfare of 32nd Avenue.

“We needed to see the impact on actual event days, not just conceptually,” says Kuhn. “After the first two-week permit, we did receive some negative feedback from the community, so [we] decided to do another two weeks to allow those concerns to be addressed.”

Despite the negative feedback, the overwhelming response from the Highland community was supportive. “We believe the city has heard the voice of the community,” says Ashley Williams of the Highland Merchant Association. Indeed, the city received nearly 100 emails from residents and businesses to Denver Public Works in favor of keeping the market on 32nd Avenue.

After the arduous process of applying and waiting for permits, Williams says the association is relieved and thrilled that the 32nd Avenue Market has a permanent home for the season. “We believe the location is perfect for this event,” Williams says. “It has an amazing community feel and the businesses love having the extra traffic.”

The 32nd Avenue Farmers’ Market takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday on 32nd Avenue between Lowell Boulevard and Newton Street.

—Photo via Shutterstock